Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Sinharaja Rainforest in Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Rainforest is a national park and a bio-diversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It is a treasure of endemic species, including trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. The best of the Sri Lanka Hotels is the Aiken Spence Hotels, which is located close by to the Sinharaja Forest. Hiking and treking the Sinharaja is one of the main things to do in Bentota. Saman Villas Bentota is located in diverse areas around the island, ranging from the sprawling beaches to the beautiful hill country. From a cultural experience, a unique getaway to bask in the comfort of luxury service. The hotel offers a multitude of excursions and experience that are surely going to last a memory forever. The hotels will provide one with a sanctuary of romantic holiday retreat, a family getaway an even a relaxing Ayurvedic treatment. The hotels offer the best of the special rates and packages, for those who are seeking adventure in the Sinharaja Rainforest. Special excursions will be arranged by the hotel to suit each needs and wants of the customer.

Sinharaja Rainforest also has reptiles include the endemic green pit vipers and hump-nosed vipers and there are a large variety of amphibians, especially the tree frogs. The vegetation of Sinharaja may be described either as a tropical lowland rain forest or tropical wet evergreen forest. In addition, there are sub montane forests and sub montane grasslands. Fresh water habitats, rocky terrains and other associated eco systems contribute to the ecological diversity of this unique rain forest. There are 337 woody plant species in Sinharaja that includes 192 endemic species, 30 nationally threatened and 116 globally threatened species. One of the most enchanting displays of color to be found in Sinharaja rainforest, is the sight of mixed species foraging bird flocks, a phenomenon found in rain forests.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.Google+

 

Wildlife in Bundala National Park: serenity in the wild

On reaching Bundala National Park you will feel a sense calm as the park is less frequented, yet is a treasure trove of amazing wildlife. Located in the Hambantota district, the park is a four to five hour drive from Sri Lanka’s capital. The most rewarding experience for those who love nature is lodging that fuses well with its surroundings. Saraii Village, Sri Lanka compliments the nature amidst which it is constructed. Your search for an Eco Lodge, Sri Lanka would be a success only if you choose your accommodation in this uniquely designed hotel. Enjoy the rustic vibe of the hotel, by choosing to stay either in a tree house or a mud chalet. It is the ideal place to breathe in wildlife and commence your journey to Bundala National Park.

Among the dry scrublands and lagoons, a multitude of animals find their home. However Bundala National Park is internationally recognized as a wintering ground for migratory water birds. Flocks of greater flamingos migrate to the park. These leggy beauties add splotches of blush pink to the landscape. The black-headed ibis, Eurasian spoonbill, Asian openbill and Grey heron are also among the hundred species of water birds that grace the park with their seasonal presence. In addition, the park is known to harbor approximately 197 species of birds. It is without doubt an earthly heaven for birdwatchers.

Roaming the park with grace is a handful of Asian elephants. Many other mammals stealthily disappear beneath the shrubbery. Leopards are rarely spotted yet are reportedly a notable presence in the park. The toque macaque, the common langur, the fishing cat and the rusty-spotted cat add to the beautiful collage of Bundala National Park.

Be on your guard as Mugger crocodiles and estuarine crocodiles bask in the sun with eager eyes on the park’s visitors. It is evident that the wildlife in Bundala National Park collectively contributes towards a tranquil exploration of the wild.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world. Google+

Sand Dunes of Mui NE : An Unexpected Vietnamese Treasure

Boasting lush, green mountains, mouth-watering cuisine and a unique culture, Vietnam is an exotic travel destination that cannot be ignored. A rising star in the Asian tourism market, Vietnam is a land of contrasts with pristine beaches, rolling hills and a desert making Vietnam a must-visit destination.

A four hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City lies the resort town of Mui Ne. Once a sleepy fishing village whose only visitors where a few adventurous travellers who camped along its undisturbed beach, today Mui Ne is a popular tourist destination that is home to many a luxury Beach Resort Mui Ne. Beyond the breathtaking 16 kilometre-long stretch of beach lies the alluring Mui Ne sand dunes that stand majestically overlooking Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa. Situated 10 kilometres to the north of the famous resort strip and spanning 2 square-kilometres, the Mui Ne desert has impressive dunes that measure up to 10 meters in depth.

Take a guided tour of the dunes and explore the famous White Dunes, also known as Bau Trang, and watch the sunrise over the Mui Ne. As the day progresses seek refuge under the pine trees that line the White Lake with a cool drink purchased from one of many stalls situated here and admire the view from the top of some of the larger dunes in the desert that is reputed to be the driest spot in Southeast Asia. Visit the smaller Red Dunes with its characteristic reddish-brown sand and find visitors sliding along the slopes of dunes on rented sleds while photography-enthusiasts trek towards the best location to capture the surrounding natural beauty while up above kite flyers enjoy a birds-eye view of the dunes and the horizon. Avoid the blazing warm afternoons that the region is known for, and take an early morning or late afternoon guided tour of the region with a stop at the nearby fishing village, Fairy Springs that runs through the dunes and the 50 metre Lotus Lake that is the region’s only water source.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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Koh Tao Diving

The Thai islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao are undoubtedly amazing attractions for the visitor. If you are interested in accommodation choices like a luxury villa Koh Samui offers make sure to consider the informative Anantara Vacation Club Bophut Koh Samui reviews. This would be a discerning accommodation choice with many advantages offering a satisfying stay.

The beautifully picturesque island of Koh Tao is greatly recognized for its abundant diving opportunities. Offering engrossing attractions for experienced divers as well as guidance and instruction for novices, Koh Tao will appeal to diving aficionados of all experience levels and preferences. Divers from across Southeast Asia and beyond congregate at this alluring island to indulge in this popular pursuit.

As you might expect, divers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a dive site in Koh Tao. One of the most popular and well-reputed sites is the Southwest Pinnacle, which offers fine visibility and a host of intriguing marine creatures. You will have the opportunity to observe resting leopard sharks as well as fantail rays, groupers, scorpion fish, pink anemone fish, snappers and barracuda.

Another well esteemed dive site is Sail Rock, a prominent pinnacle that is located in the seas off Koh Tao. This remarkable diving location is renowned for its aquatic denizens, including various morays, king mackerel, tuna, octopus and different kinds of colourful corals. On the other hand for experienced divers desiring a genuinely challenging dive, the site of choice will be the Chumporn Pinnacle. This alluring location is considered to be the best site in the area to see the enormous whale sharks, as well as a myriad of pelagic fish.

Another fascinating diving spot would be Green Rock, which is an intriguing maze of caves and canyons that divers can swim across. This locality is home to marine creatures such as reef sharks, whiptail rays, cobia fish and triggerfish as well as sea snakes, moray eels, squid and different kinds of sea turtles. With so much to see and experience, diving at Koh Tao will always be memorable.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Knuckles Mountain Range

Home to seven states, the region of South Asia boasts of a number of iconic mountain ranges with the most important one being the Himalayans. This mountain range along with the Karakorum and Hindu Kush range separate the subcontinent from the rest of Asia. The Himalayan mountain range, whilst being the highest in the world, is also home to the tallest mountain in the world: the Everest, while Hindu Kush mountain range enjoys the distinction of being the second highest. For those visiting the South Asian state of Sri Lanka, the highest mountain range is the Knuckles and can be visited from Kandy. While varying accommodation options are available in the hill country, for those seeking luxury in the Central Highlands, Earls Regent Kandy certainly delivers.

While the mountain range covers a couple of districts, it derives its name from the manner in which the peaks and valleys appear to resemble a closed fist. As the Knuckles range forms part of the Kandy district, it can be easily access by staying at a hotel Kandy. It is a location that is immensely rich in bio diversity in Sri Lanka and, in recent times, has become well known for eco tourism. As a result, many tourists and locals seek to trek across the range and camp in the valleys.

Also known as the ‘Dumbara Kanduwetiya’ meaning the Misty Hills, the mountain range has featured in Sri Lankan history from prehistoric times. Certain archaeologists claim the existence of remains of a Yaksha settlement, and the area was also called the ‘Gini Divaina’ during such a time.

At present, a number of hiking trails have been cleared by officials and tourists can visit Mini World’s End which provides an excellent and panoramic view of the misty mountains and plummeting valleys surrounding Knuckles, while other trails such as Pitawala Pathena Trail, the Nitre Cave and Ash Cave Trails and many others traverse through tea plantations, farms, villages and even rubber estates.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world. Google+

Ousteri Wetland and National Park

The popular Ousteri Wetland and national park is situated at the north side of the town Pondicherry. This lake is only 10 km away from the city. The 390 hectares of wetland is covers parts of both Tamilnadu and Pondicherry. The Park is home to several aquatic species and also houses a bird sanctuary. The park also possesses migratory avifauna and native birds. Ousteri lake and boat house are also a part of the wetland and park. The lake is the biggest in the town and takes care of drinking water requirements of the area. There are many Pondicherry hotels that are good, however Hotel Atithi is a 3 star luxury hotel that stands out from the rest of the hotels in town. Hotel Atithi is located at the center of the city, and therefore it is of great convenience for those who are on business or on vacation. Multi-cuisine is offered at the hotel, to suit the international traveler. The 60 rooms and suites are elegant, stylish and modern.

The Ousteri wetland and National Park invites tourists all year round especially those who enjoy watching rare species of birds .Ousteri wetland and national park has managed to generate revenue due to Tourist visits. Ousteri Wetland not only entertains its tourists but also takes care of the basic requirements of the surrounding residents both human and the wild population. People around the wetland manage to meet their livelihood with agricultural produce, fishing, fodder, and other activities. Mussels and crabs are found in abundance at the park and the Ousteri wetland offers a mesmerizing view of the migratory birds for bird watcher especially during the migratory season.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Explore Kintamani

Kintamani is considered as one of the most scenic regions of Bali. Located in the north east of Bali , the highlands breath taking. It is believed that a volcanic eruption around 30000 years ago created a caldera that is 3 Km long. Half of the caldera is taken up by the Batur lake with the remaining half being an active volcano. There are six ancient villages around the caldera of Batur. This area is considered as the Bali age villages , which have people who practice unique culture, lifestyle and live in unique houses. The kintamani region consists of the following villages such as Kedisan village, Trunyan , South Batur and middle Batur among others.

For those visiting the Kintamani region , perfect accommodation option could be the Ubud resorts. Not too far from Kintamani ,Ubud is itself a beautiful town set among rice paddy fields. The town was an important source of medicinal herbs , and hence derived the name Ubud , which int he local dialect means medicine. A much sought after place to stay amongst the tourist has been Alila Ubud. A perfect hill top get away Alila Villas sits between lush greenery and in the valley of Ayung River. The villa is designed with a fusion of the trade mark Balinese architecture as well as a hint of modern touch.

Visiting the Kintamani region from Ubud is not too time consuming. The Kintamani region’s Batur lake is the largest lake in Bali and provides the island with most of its irrigational needs. The day time is the perfect time to visit kintamani as the views are clear and the entire region is visible. A perfect time would be anytime between 10 am till 3 pm. The weather in the region tends to get a bit chilly and there may be drizzles and showers later during the day.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Lipton’s Seat –Most Famous Viewpoint of Badulla and a very popular visiting Place

Lipton’s Seat is a most famous view point of Badulla district and popular visiting place close to Haputale Sri Lanka. Lipton Seat is an observation point and at least 7 districts can be seen in this location. On the way to Lipton Seat there is a popular tea factory called Dambethanna Tea Factory which is the largest tea factory of Badulla district. The air is crisp, fresh and unpolluted. The Bandarawela hotel is an Aiken Spence Hotel, and is known world –wide for their level of quality and international standards. This beautiful hotel is located amidst the beautiful natural world of the Hills, which is mystic and serene. The rooms at the hotel emanates old-world charm and is cozy and warm, offering incredible views of the breathtaking mountains and the scenery. There is also a wide variety of exquisite cuisine offered at the hotel, including wide spread buffets.

The view from here rivals that of Worlds End and on a clear day it is possible to see all the way to the coast. The most reliable time to get the view is in the early morning, the outlook is majestic and inspiring. The surroundings are utterly glorious. A small cafe that is perched on the cliff edge here, serves the best Samosa available in Sri Lanka. Lipton Seat has great views of the tea plantations north of Haputale. You still can visit this factory and buy the most authentic Sri Lankan tea you can ever imagine. Lipton’s seat is a panoramic overlooking destination in Sri lanka, Handapanagala lake, Chandrika lake, Uda walwe lake, Wedi hiti Kanda mountains, and also the hambanthota harbor located in the in the southern coastal area can be seen remarkably well. On the way to the Lipton’s Seat, you will also meet St. Catherines seat and Lemasthota Waterfall. St. Catherines seat is also a overlooking point in the Nayabedda estate which will provide a unprecedented and a stunning view of Bandarwela, Diyatalawa and the Uva valley to the Namunukula mountain range. March and August are the best months to enjoy and visit Lipton’s seat.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park

 

Phang Nga Bay is a 400 km bay in the Strait of Malacca between the island of Phuket and the mainland of the Malay peninsula of southern Thailand. Since 1981, an extensive section of the bay has been protected as the Ao Phang Nga National Park. Ao Phang-nga or Phang-nga Bay is one of the most frequently visited national marine parks in Thailand. The best place to stay, while visiting Thailand is the Point Yamu by COMO Phuket, which is a Phuket Luxury Accommodation. This unique hotel is located the tip of the Cape Yamu overlooking the Andaman Sea and the dramatic limestone’s of Phang Nga Bay. The rooms and suites at the hotel is elegant, exotic and contemporary, as the entire hotel has been designed by an Italian interior designer. The hotel also features two world-class dining restaurants.

The 42 limestone monoliths punctuating the bay’s shallow turbid waters not only act as a natural base to a rich variety of documented flora and fauna, including over 28 species of mangrove, 88 birds, 82 fish, 18 reptiles, 3 amphibians and 17 mammals, they also provide secure overnight anchorage and offer exhilarating adventures of discovery for their visitors. , private sailing yacht charters with experienced and knowledgeable crew can be booked on Phuket. If guests wish to learn sailing, there are several schools on Phuket that schedule internationally recognized tuition around the bay. Many of the islands, islets and rocky knolls harbor collapsed sea caves or, as they are called locally, ‘Hongs’ of varying sizes and – although too small for yachts to access – are ideally suited for canoe, kayak or dinghy. The Hongs can be obscured from view so take time to scan the craggy surfaces on the waterline, paying particular attention to anything that resembles an opening. Once inside, you may well find all manner of wildlife either on the limestone walls or in the elevated jungle above, winding caverns to explore, some even with secluded beaches and sheltered lagoons – ideal for a private picnic and a spot of swimming or snorkeling.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Getting to know people and culture in Indonesia

The nature of Indonesian national culture is somewhat similar to that of India, multicultural, rooted in older societies and interethnic relations, and developed in twentieth century nationalist struggles against a European imperialism that nonetheless forged that nation and many of its institutions. There is no one unified Indonesian culture as such, but the Hindu culture of the former Majapahit empire does provide a framework for the cultural traditions of the central islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali. This country is rich in heritage and culture. There are a great number of hotels and resorts in Indonesia, but the Ascot Kuringam Jakarta is one of the best of the luxury Service apartment in Jakarta. The Ascott Kuningan Jakarta is located on a prime business location providing easy access to many of the city’s shopping, dining and entertainment venues. The 185 appointed apartments rooms are lavishly and elegantly designed, with a fully equipped kitchen, dining and luxury bathrooms. There are also a number of recreational activities such as swimming, basketball, badminton, fully-equipped gym and many more other facilities.

The legal system is based on the Old Dutch penal code, social life as well as the rites of passage is founded on customary or “adat” law, which differs from area to area. ”Adat” law has been instrumental in maintaining gender equality in Indonesia. Indonesian art forms are greatly influenced by religion. The famous dance dramas of Java and Bali are derived from Hindu mythology and often feature fragments from the Hindu epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. As a whole the people are artistic by nature and express themselves on canvas, wood, metals, clay and stone. The batik process of waxing and dyeing originated in Java centuries ago and classic designs have been modified with modern trends in both pattern and technology. Generally people in Indonesia are friendly, easy going and helpful.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+